DX In Design: The march of the next-gen, tech-driven businesses in Phl

In the old days, technology was about efficiency; the IT department thinks about how a company can save money by automating something
Technology today it all about experiences, and costumer experiences; at the center of that technology is a human being that need to interact with that technology so obviously design functions it to play. Before you think what, technology can do for you, think what the technology can do to the consumer that’s at the end of that.

It’s not technology anymore but design
This are just of the words that Ms. Myla Villanueva that I hear during a business round table discussion that was held this January 10, 2018 at the Ark, Insular Life Building, Ayala Avenue Cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

So, who is Ms. Myla Villanueva ?

Ms. Myla was introduced as the Digital Transformation Architect not to mention, the CEO of Micro-D International, Inc (MDI). Ms. Villanueva takes the lead in advocating real Digital Transformation (DX) I the Philippines, one where the DX Trinity-design, the physical space, and the brand’s aspiration -exist in harmony to create a remarkable customer experience. Digital Transformation (DX) is changing the game for businesses and spaces.What is MDI?
MDI is the country’s prime catalysts of the Digital Transformation (DX). MDI empowers next-generation business by connecting them to coveted levels of efficiency and profitability.

MDI believes that any design which does not prioritize the integration of technology within a physical space and aligns itself with the brand’s promise is an incomplete design
MDI has partnered with some of the country’s leading corporations to do just that; embrace the DX trinity
Every groundbreaking technology today should take into consideration the human element and interaction and how it complements its surroundings.
For the past 30 years, MDI has partnered with some of the country’s leading corporations to do just that: embrace the DX Trinity to ensure that their brand’s promises are manifested across all contact points with their customers.

The first step in MDI’s DX journey is taking the time to understand the aspirations of the business. What is the bigger goal they want to achieve? How do they see themselves as innovators? How will their ideas manifest within their space?
Afterward, the next thing to do is bring in their fellow innovation advocates.

By collaborating with the right partners, promoting true Digital Transformation will ensure the DX Trinity can come naturally together. In that way, MDI can ensure that an enterprise can make a significant and lasting impact while generating the ultimate customer experience.

MDI’s Project
One of the finest examples that illustrate the coming together of the DX Trinity is the work that MDI has done together with Union Bank of the Philippines (Union Bank) for “The ARK”- the brand’s groundbreaking retail and banking hub in Makati

Through The Ark, a groundbreaking concept brought to life by Micro-D International, Inc. (MDI) and UnionBank of the Philippines, the latter’s vision of becoming the country’s leading digital bank that offers a brand experience as if it’s a tech company with a banking engine has been successfully brought to life.

The ARK is a bridge between the real-world banking experience and the digital experience which was made possible by teaming up of Union Bank with their partners led by MDI.
The Ark is a refreshing space that uses digital technology to augment an actual banking experience. It has been a very interesting project for MDI simply because of what they were able to accomplish given the kind of vision UnionBank shared with them.
The Ark was a space where clients can move around freely, make themselves feel comfortable, order a free latte at the coffee bar, or log on to the Internet to get some work done.

The ARK also becomes an avenue for off-site productivity, encouraging creative tech ideas not just from its partners but from its customers as well. Still, within the space, there is very powerful technology that allows customers to save time, fulfill their usual routines, enjoy a more hassle-free banking experience, and interact with the space positively.
The way technology has evolved today, there really needs to be a strong synergy between technology, design, and brand aspirations. This DX Trinity has become the primary pillars for the game-changing work that MDI has been doing because, as Villanueva asserts, any DX journey will cease to make a difference if one of these three goes missing.

Mwah Thoughts…..

As I chat with the Ambassadors at The Ark and roam around the area; there are so many interesting information and facts that I find truly amazing and made me excited to try what MDI has done for UnionBank

Upon arriving at The Ark; there’s no line or number that you need for the transaction

IPad for the client

An iPad will be handed to the client and all transaction will be done through the gadget. Deposit, widrawal, bank loans, credit card application are all in the tablet. There is enough iPad for all the clients of UnionBank.
A photo of the client will be taken as well, this will help the ambassadors to identify each client and to locate them upon their submission of their transaction. No need for the client to stand up since the ambassadors will be the one approaching them. The submission of the transaction will be automatically informed the ambassador that they are done and need assistance. This is made possible by the system made by MDI for UnionBank.

There is no teller, the transaction will all be done by the client themselves. They could deposit their money at the ATM wherein the machine will count the money. The machine can identify the bill that will be deposited. Widrawal will also be done through the machine. An SMS will be sent if the transaction is completed.

A paperless system is done through this transaction
You can visit The ARK at the ground floor of the Insular Bank Bldg. No charges will be imposed since UnionBank has a centralized system. So, wherever your branch is, you can transact at The ARK with no additional cost.

The Ambassadors

It was truly an amazing experience and will go back at the ARK, hopefully they could implement this system to all their branches in the future.

Visit http://mdi.net.ph and learn more how Micro-D International, Inc. (MDI) is advocating powerful and impactful change for Philippine businesses by championing “REAL” Design Transformation (DX) through the coming together of technology, space, and brand aspirations.